1. Get Started With License Plate Assistance Online

Registration Fees by Vehicle Type Registration fees - Iowa Code 321.109, 321.115 through 321.123 Ambulance - Motor vehicle equipped with life support systems u sed for transporting sick or injured persons needing medical care to medical facilities.

In most states, you cannot apply for or replace a license plate online. Instead, most states require you to request a new or duplicate license plate in person at a DMV office. However, certain states or counties may allow you to complete these transactions online. In any case, you must apply for a new license plate within a few days of your vehicle's date of purchase. To do so, you must provide a certificate of title, odometer disclosure, smog certification (if applicable) and bill of sale (if needed). Then, you must pay any applicable DMV service fees. To prepare for this procedure and save time, download our informative online guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know about standard and custom license plates. In it, you will also learn about requesting, renewing and replacing a car registration.

2. By Mail

In most states, you cannot apply for a license plate by mail. However, many states allow you to replace or surrender a license plate by sending the required materials through the mail. When replacing a plate, you will be required to send a completed application form containing personal details and vehicle specifications to the appropriate DMV mailing address. If you wish to surrender an existing license plate after selling your vehicle, you may do so by mailing the plate to the correct DMV branch in your state. Due to mailing and processing times, be mindful that the mail-in method may subject you to certain delays.

Arizona Vehicle Registration Cost Calculator

3. In Person at a DMV Office

You will most likely need to visit a DMV office in person to apply for a license plate in your state. During your visit, you will be asked to provide proof of identity, documents that verify your car ownership and a completed application form. In addition, you will be required to pay the applicable DMV fees, which vary depending on whether you apply for a standard or personalized license plate. When visiting a DMV, you may also replace or transfer an existing license plate, as long as those procedures are offered in your state. To avoid mistakes or taking additional trips to the DMV, make sure that you are fully prepared for license plate transactions prior to filing your application.

Vehicle owners must apply for an Arizona DMV license plate through the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT). After obtaining these car registration plates, motorists must display them on the rear of their vehicles, making the tags clearly legible to law enforcement officers in the streets.

Overall, drivers must replace license plate credentials if they sustain damages or become illegible. Furthermore, after vehicle owners obtain a license plate and secure the tag to the rear of their cars, they must ensure that the plate is placed at least 12 inches from the ground. To learn more about how to get license plate credentials and how to renew or replace plates or stickers, review the sections below.

Types of License Plates in Arizona

If you need to obtain a car registration tag in Arizona, be mindful that the DOT will provide you with many different plate options. Overall, AZ car tags include standard plates, disability plates, university plates, military plates, alternative fuel plates or plates for causes or organizations such as the Childhood Cancer Research, Girl Scouts or the White Mountain Apache Tribe. If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller but wish to drive the car before your new registration plates arrive, you may purchase a restricted three-day permit or 30-day general permit from the DOT.

How to Apply for a License Plate in Arizona

After purchasing a new or used vehicle, you must apply for new registration plates within 15 days of acquiring the vehicle. Overall, you will apply for these plates upon completing an application form to title and register your vehicle. If you purchase a car from a private seller, you must apply for an Arizona DOT car tag by completing a different application form and submitting it in person at a DOT branch or authorized third-party facility. Conversely, if you purchase the vehicle from a licensed dealership rather than a private seller, the dealer will generally submit the car registration plates application on your behalf.

In addition to completing the proper new car tag application forms, you must submit all other title and registration documents to the DOT, including the vehicle’s current certificate of title, lien release (if applicable), payment for title and registration fees and proof of completing an emissions or vehicle inspection (if applicable).

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Arizona

Depending on your car’s registration period, you must renew license plate credentials either every year, every two years or every five years. During the Arizona license plate renewal process, you will simultaneously complete the vehicle registration renewal process as well as your license plate decals.

In most cases, you must apply for car tag renewal before the 15th day of your vehicle’s registration renewal month, or before the last day of the month. When renewing license plate decals, you may complete the process online or over the phone. If renewing your car tag online, you must pay for the applicable fees by using a credit card.

How to Replace License Plates in Arizona

Motorists may replace AZ car tags if their plates sustain damages, go missing or become illegible. For drivers wondering how to replace a license plate, they may do so in person by visiting a DOT branch or an authorized third-party office. When replacing license plate credentials, applicants must present one form of identification, an acceptable payment method for obtaining the applicable fees.

Moreover, they must provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) and/or the license plate number. On the other hand, car owners may replace license plates through the mail by completing a particular application form and submitting it along with a check or money order to the DOT mailing address.

Note: If your DOT car tags are within three months of expiring, you may renew your license plates early instead of requesting a replacement.

How to Transfer License Plates in Arizona

After purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, you may transfer your old Arizona car registration plates to your new vehicle if you so desire. In order to transfer your DOT license plates to your newly-acquired vehicle, you must provide the dealer with your previous vehicle’s license plate number. Then, the dealer will provide you with a temporary car tag until your new registration certificate and tabs arrive in the mail.

Arizona Car Tax Calculator

Find Out How to Replace License Plates

You cannot attach your old AZ car registration tags to your new vehicle until you receive your new registration certificate and tabs from the DOT. If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, you may transfer your license plates when you submit your completed application form. Furthermore, before you sell or dispose of a vehicle, you must remove the vehicle’s license plates.

Arizona License Plate Fees

To get a car tag in Arizona, vehicle owners must purchase a license plate in addition to paying regular vehicle registration fees. However, the fees for car registration tags vary according to the type of license plate you are applying for. Generally, specialty plates have higher costs.

A license plate replacement generally costs $5.

When replacing car tags or decals, motorists must also pay a fee per plate or tab, in addition to postage and handling fees. Overall, the fees for tab and license plate renewals vary by vehicle type and the vehicle’s value.

License Plate Lookups in Arizona

Before you purchase a new or used vehicle and obtain new AZ car tag credentials, you may perform an online license plate lookup to learn more about the vehicle’s history. For instance, an Arizona DOT license plate lookup can provide you with information about the vehicle’s previous owner and its manufacturer, as well as any safety and recall information.

License Plate Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Sources

1. Plates and Placards from AZDOT.gov

Start Your Registration Paperwork

Our step-by-step process is easy to follow, making your registration application a breeze! Get yourself prepared BEFORE you visit the MVD.

Summary: How to Register Your Car in Arizona

Vehicle registration in Arizona MUST be completed in person at your local MVD office. You will need to submit your vehicle title, a completed application form, and proof of ID, as well as pay the required fee. You can obtain a temporary registration if you need extra time to gather your vehicle paperwork in order to register it. If you live in Phoenix or Tucson, you will also be required to pass an emissions test.

The information on this page helps ease you through Arizona's vehicle registration process. If you're already driving a registered vehicle in Arizona and need renewal information, visit our Registration Renewal page for the full scoop.

Registration processes for other vehicle types, such as ATVs, custom-built cars, and RVs or motor homes, can be found at our page on Other Vehicle Registrations.

New to Arizona?

State law requires that you register your vehicle with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) immediately after establishing residency.

Residency in AZ is more than just having an Arizona address. The state considers you a resident if any one of the following situations applies to you:

• You obtain an Arizona driver's license.
• Your kids attend school here without paying an out-of-state tuition rate.
• You're employed in Arizona (seasonal agricultural workers exempt).
• You remain in the state for 7 months or more in one calendar year.
• You have an Arizona business that houses and operates vehicles here.
• You own an AZ business that transports people or goods in the state.
• You're registered to vote in AZ.

Required Documents

To register, you must visit any AZ MVD office in person. But before visiting you'll need:

• Proof of car insurance that meets, at the very minimum, Arizona's required coverage amounts:
  • $15,000 per person.
  • $30,000 per accident for bodily injury.
  • $10,000 per accident for property damage.
• An emissions compliance form. Read more about emissions testing on our Smog & Emission Checks page.

To ease the process, Arizona allows you to register and title your vehicle at the same time. To learn more about obtaining a title, check out our Title Transfers page.

Visiting Your MVD Office

When you're ready to apply, visit your local Arizona MVD office with:

• A completed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236).
• Proof of passing an emissions test, if you reside in Phoenix or Tucson.
  • The results of your test will be automatically sent to the MVD.
• Proof of a Level I inspection, if applicable.
  • This only applies if you do not have your car's registration certificate and/or title. A Level I inspection merely verifies your vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • MVD offices provide this service free of charge.
• Your car's out-of-state title, or, if it's held by a lienholder, your car's current registration certificate.
  • If you've lost your registration, visit our Replacing a Lost Registration page.
• Your out-of-state license plates.
• Proof of Arizona car insurance.
• Photo identification (driver's license, ID card, etc.). The MVD provides a list of acceptable documents.
• Payment for Arizona registration fees (see “AZ Vehicle Registration Fees' below).

Arizona car registrations are valid for 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years. Vehicles exempt from emissions testing are eligible for registration for 5 years.

For detailed information on titling, visit our Arizona Title Transfers page.

Registering a Vehicle in Arizona

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division requires you to register your vehicle in person at a branch office. If you purchase your vehicle from a dealership, in most instances the dealer will submit your vehicle registration documents for you. Be sure to confirm to avoid any confusion.

Arizona Restricted Use Permit

Any newly purchased vehicle – new or used – must be registered before it can be driven. To drive it for an emissions test, vehicle inspection, or to the MVD to register it, you may apply for a restricted use 3-day permit. You can do this online, provided you have a printer, by visiting the ServiceArizona website. The fee for a 3-day permit is $1.

Note: Even if the seller inadvertently leaves the plates on the vehicle, you cannot drive it until it's registered under your name. Should this occur, surrender the plates to any MVD office.

Steps to Register

You may only register your vehicle in person at an MVD branch. Before visiting the MVD to register your car, make sure to have in your possession:

• Proof of car insurance.
• An emissions compliance form, if you reside in the Tucson or Phoenix areas.
  • This will be provided by the inspection station upon passing.
  • Most vehicles 5 years old or newer are exempt. To learn more about exemptions, fees, and the testing process, visit our Smog & Emission Checks page.

Arizona's MVD conveniently allows you to register and title your vehicle simultaneously. For detailed information on titling, jump over to our Title Transfers page.

To register, visit your local Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office with:

• A completed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236).
• An emissions compliance form, if applicable (this cannot be downloaded).
• Proof of vehicle insurance.
• Proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., notarized car title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin [MCO]).
• Photo identification (e.g., driver's license, ID card). Please reference the MVD's list of acceptable documents.
• Payment for AZ car registration fees (please see “AZ Vehicle Registration Fees' below).

Your AZ car registration will be good for 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years. If your vehicle is exempt from emissions testing, you are eligible for the registration for 5 years.

For complete information on titling, visit our Arizona Title Transfers page.

NOTE: If you plan to transfer the license plates credit from another vehicle to a new vehicle you must do so within 30 days . Learn more under the “Selling' section on our Title Transfers page.

Temporary AZ Vehicle Registration

If you do not have all of the required documentation listed above to register your vehicle, you will need to apply for a temporary registration valid for 90 days . This certificate will give you time to drive while gathering the necessary documents to obtain a permanent vehicle registration certificate.

The temporary registration, valid for 90 days , is $15. After you submit all other required documents, your registration fees and taxes will be backdated to the date you acquired your temporary registration, and you will be responsible for full payment.

Military Vehicle Registration in Arizona

Arizona Military Residents

Military members who are residents of Arizona should follow the same steps listed above for vehicle registration.

Non-Resident Military Stationed in Arizona

You are not required to register your vehicle with the MVD if you're an out-of-state military resident stationed in Arizona. However, you may need to comply with the state's emissions laws, depending on your location and/or situation. Check with your company commander for more information.

If you decide to establish residency in Arizona, you'll need to apply for an Arizona car registration certificate. This requires visiting an AZ MVD office with the same documents described above under our “ New to Arizona?' section above.

You may also be exempt from paying the vehicle license tax of your registration fees. Along with the documents mentioned above, you should also provide a Special Military Exemption Affidavit, (Form 96-0240) signed by your commanding officer.

If you're deployed overseas and your spouse remains in AZ, the vehicle license tax will still apply, provided your name is listed on the car's title.

Arizona Registration Fees

The Arizona MVD charges both registration/titling fees and a separate vehicle license tax on all registered vehicles in the state.

Registration and Titling Fees

• Registration fee: $8.
• Title fee: $4.
• Air Quality Research fee: $1.50.
• 3-day permit: $1.
• 90 days registration fee: $15.
• Highway Patrol operations fee:
  • Most vehicles: $32 per vehicle per year.
  • Street-legal golf carts and off-highway vehicles (OHVs): $5 per vehicle per year.

Arizona Vehicle License Tax

The state also charges a vehicle license tax (VLT) at every registration and renewal. This tax is assessed for each $100 of your vehicle's value. Note that the value of your vehicle is calculated as 60% of the original manufacturer's retail price, and that total will be lowered by 16.25% at every registration renewal.

For each $100 of the vehicle's value, you will be assessed:

• New vehicles: $2.80.
• Used vehicles: $2.89.
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle: $4.

Please note that if you are registering your vehicle for 2 years or 5 years, you will be responsible for paying the total tax amount for all years you are registering for.

All MVD offices accept checks, money orders or cash. Some offices may accept credit cards. Call before visiting to make sure.

Arizona Vehicle Inspections

Emission tests are required for residents of Phoenix and Tucson. The inspection station will send your test results electronically to the MVD. If you do not have the title for your vehicle, you'll also need to have a VIN inspection performed. This can usually be done the same day at an MVD full-service station.

For more information, including vehicles exempt from the emissions program, visit our AZ Smog & Emission Checks page.

AZ License Plates

When you register your vehicle, the Motor Vehicle Division will issue you a license plate before you leave to attach to your car. In addition to the standard license plates available, the Arizona MVD also offers a wide variety of specialized license plates for an additional cost.

Replace Lost or Stolen AZ License Plate

Should you lose your AZ license plates, you'll need to replace them immediately. You may do so either in person or by mail.

NOTE: Notify the police if you suspect your plate was stolen.

In-Person Replacement

Visit any MVD office with:

• One form of identification (driver's license, ID card).
• Either the license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Payment to cover the $5 replacement fee.

If it's a standard plate and it is in stock, you should receive it before you leave. If you've requested a specialized license plate, the MVD will mail it to you.

Replace by Mail

If you need a duplicate license plate, you may apply by mail by submitting:

• A completed Plate Notice (Form 48-3302).
• Check or money order to cover the $5 replacement fee and first class postage.

Registering a Non-Operational Vehicle

If you wish to re-register a non-operational vehicle that was registered within the last 5 years, visit your MVD office with:

• The car's vehicle identification number (VIN).
• A completed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236).
• An emissions compliance form, if applicable.
• Proof of vehicle insurance.
• A completed Registration Penalty Fee Waiver, Non-Use application (Form 48-9402).
• Proof of identity. The MVD provides a list of acceptable documents.
• Payment for all AZ car registration fees (see fees above). All MVD offices accept cash, check or money orders. Some offices also accept credit cards.

Arizona License Plate Fee Calculator

If your vehicle has not been registered within the last 5 years, contact the MVD for re-registration requirements.

If you plan to take a vehicle temporarily off the road and not renew its registration, you need to surrender your license plates in person at any MVD office.

Be sure to cancel the registration before canceling the car insurance.

Arizona License Plate Picture

Forms

96-0236

96-0240

48-9402

48-3302

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

Email the link to this form

Arizona Vehicle License Tax Calculator

Latest DMV.ORG Articles